The goddesses have a major role in both epics as Helpers of men. They have varied reasons for this. One is a maternal instinct. This is displayed in the literal mother-son relationships of Aphrodite and Aeneas, Thetis and Achilles, and the protective instinct that Athene displays in Book 3 of the Iliad when Pandarus arrow shot an arrow at Menelaus and she "took her stand in front and warded off the piercing dart, turning it just …
showed first 75 words of 2657 total

showed last 75 words of 2657 total
…who died on either side; they just enjoyed the bloodshed. On another occasion, Athena pretends to be Hector's brother during his battle with Achilles in order to bring him to his demise. We can see that Athena really wants to see Troy destroyed. Of all the Gods, Hera's and Athena's interference in the war leads to the death of many warriors in the Iliad. I believe the these Gods get personal enjoyment from human sacrifices.